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Frequently Asked Questions:
Getting Into Conservation Detection Dog Work
Are you hiring?
We know how hard it is to get into this field — as part of our mission, we are passionate about opening doors to help more teams join the conservation fight.
When we are hiring, we post all open roles on our Opportunities page. If you're eager to join the field, don’t wait for a job posting! There are many ways to start gaining skills and experience right now—see our recommendations below.
How do I get started in the field?
Great question! Here are our top recommendations:
- Listen to our podcast – We cover topics like “a day in the life,” puppy selection, handling tips, career paths, and interviews with field leaders.
- Check out our recommended reading list – It’s packed with books, papers, and resources we love.
- Join our Online Course or Patreon Learning Club – Details below!
- Volunteer or foster high-energy dogs through local shelters to gain handling experience.
- Shadow Search & Rescue teams in your area to build navigation and search strategy skills.
- Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification is especially important for field safety and remote work.
- Strengthening your navigation and mapping skills, including learning GPS use, map and compass reading.
- Get familiar with Leave No Trace principles to ensures that your work protects the sensitive habitats you and your dog will be surveying.
- Volunteer with us! Occasionally, we take on volunteers to assist with fieldwork and outreach—learn more here to be notified of future opportunities.
What’s the difference between your Handler Course and Patreon Learning Club?
Both options give you access to the Conservation Dog Alliance WhatsApp and Facebook communities.Online Handler Course
A deep dive into the field:
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18 modules covering everything from dog selection to search strategy to the basics of ecology
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Offered for self-study year-round
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Also offered live once a year, featuring virtual weekly meetings with our team and your fellow students
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Perfect for both absolute beginners and experienced professionals in adjacent fields
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Lifetime access—learn at your own pace and revisit anytime
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Scholarships available! Apply here.
“The K9 Conservationists Handler Course is a fantastic way to meet and learn directly from some of the best names in this field! From homework training challenges to in-depth discussions with experts, I can't recommend this course enough for people who want to take their conservation detection skills to the next level. Kayla, Rachel and Heather have created a course so packed with information that I find myself going back to the study materials again and again!”
Patreon Learning Club
Flexible, community-driven learning:
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Designed for those who want support, structure, and community as they learn
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Includes monthly themes, book clubs, and group coaching calls with the team
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Gain access to exclusive training videos, behind-the-scenes content, and discussion threads
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Patreon is structured as a monthly payment to K9 Conservationists. Based on your level of support, you receive different perks:
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Join for just $3/month
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Upgrade to $10/month to join live coaching calls as an observer
- Upgrade to $25/month to submit video to monthly coaching calls of you and your dog working together
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- Upgrade to $100/month for a monthly 1-on-1 call
“Joining the K9 Conservationists community has accelerated the success of my dog team. The community provides near instantaneous support for questions, wins and losses in the field. I especially appreciate the diversity of experiences and international representation in the group. Kayla is a force for good in the dog-conservation nexus and her personal support is a rock for me.”
Can I speak with someone directly?
If you're a student or aspiring handler—once you’re in either the Course or Patreon group, you’ll be connected with our team and community through coaching calls and chats. We also offer occasional seminars, in-person mentoring, and training camps—join our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop!
If you are a potential project partner, media contact, event organizer, or donor, we would love to connect! Please use our Contact Us page to send us an inquiry, or use our scheduler to book a time for a conversation with our team.
Podcast Starter Packs
Start your journey with these curated episodes from the K9 Conservationists Podcast—
they’ll give you a solid foundation on what it takes to work in conservation detection, from dog selection to the realities of life in the field.
Getting Started
Dog Selection
Real-Life Expectations
